A/N: Hey there! Yes, this is an actual update for One Week, crazy huh. While I've been uploading chapters a few months ago, it's actually been about a year since I've actaully written fanfiction, so hopefully this isn't too rusty.

I really, really want to thank those of you who've been reading and reviewing. I very much appreciate the kind words, it's incredibly encouraging to any author to have feedback. I always enjoy hearing what people have to say. I hope you enjoy this one and hopefully I'll be able to update on a more regular basis now that life isn't as crazy as it was over the past year.

One small note, I will be trying to go through and edit, especially the beginning, which has a ton of small mistakes, so if you get a bunch of notices regarding this story, my apologizes in advance.

Edit: Sorry, didn't realize I used Holly in the chapter before. Changes have been made.

Disclaimer: don't own anything.

Day Five (Pam's POV)

I woke to the soft sound of the rain pattering on the window. I curled up tighter in my blankets, not really wanting to leave the warm cocoon I had created but just as I began to drift to sleep again my alarm sounded and I regrettably hit the off button instead of snooze. I listened to the rain, thinking it was unfortunate that I actually had to get up for work when I would rather spend the day snuggled up in bed.

I noticed the red light on my cell phone was blinking, which indicated I had a message. I reached over and grabbed it, wondering why anyone would bother to send me a text this early in the morning and my first thought was that it was hopefully someone from the museum letting me know that they were shutting down the festival for the day due to rain. It wasn't work.

Hey, golf game was rained out, pick you up for breakfast?

I couldn't help but grin as a sense of warmth flowed through me when I read the text over again. It was Jim. My boyfriend. My boyfriend Jim. I liked the sound of that. I was still getting used to the idea of a having a boyfriend again but every time I thought of Jim, I couldn't help but get this jolt of excited energy and was grateful that it seemed as though my love life was getting a second chance.

Absolutely! I texted back thinking that every morning should start with a visit from Jim.

With a sense of renewed energy, I hopped out of bed and began to get ready, starting with a super quick shower then dressing in some casual nice clothes. Since it was raining, I wouldn't have been surprised if the festival was shut down for at least the morning and I didn't feel I need to look my best for only a half day. I put my hair up in a ponytail thinking it would be more practical than leaving it down.

As I was brushing my teeth, the scale in the corner of my bathroom caught my eye and for the fun of it, because I was feeling lighter than air these past few days, I hoped on wondering if the myth about losing weight when starting a new relationship was true. 336.The red numbers glowed. I let out a laugh and tried again. 336. Not even close to my usual weight, obviously the scale was broken.

When I finished getting ready, the cell was blinking again, alerting me of another message. Jim was on his way over. I couldn't stop grinning as I replied, letting him know I was all set to go when he got there. I left out how anxious I was to see him. He already knew how much of a complete dork I was, no need to add to the ammunition.

My thoughts drifted back to the previous night. As far as first dates go, it had definitely been unique. On paper, it wouldn't have been ideal, but I couldn't have come up with a more perfect outcome. So, my boss went a little crazy and tried to burn down a French restaurant. So, I was hit on by a creepy Wendy's manager and lost my contacts. So, Jim had to go to an assignment. None of that really matter because at the end of the evening, I was curled up next to Jim watching the most beautiful fireworks display I had ever seen.

Jim later told me I had slept through most of it but there was something in that moment, when I rested my head against his shoulder and I felt safe and warm, that felt perfect. I had realized then that it didn't get any better than that. The universe was finally making sense and I knew I had found where I needed to be.

Having some time to kill before Jim arrived, I went to my desk, which had become cluttered. Since the festival had started, I hadn't been keeping up with tidiness. I moved my mail, mostly neglected bills that would have to wait until I had more time, to the floor so that I could reach my laptop. I got online for the first time in ages and found that I had a ton of unread emails to get to.

Most of them were junk mail and a few were from old acquaintances, some of whom I gave a short replies but there were only two in my inbox that stood out. The first was from the head of the museum board.

Dear SIA Employees,

As some of you may be aware, last night marked the abrupt end to Ms. Levinson's tenure as director of the museum. I ask you please keep this information confidential as we (the board) are trying to figure out how to find a solution to the problem. We will be having a mandatory employee meeting tomorrow morning at 9am in Scranton Central Park to discuss the future of the museum and of the festival.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you,

SIA Museum Board

So, Jan was really gone, I thought as I reread the message. I couldn't imagine the museum without her, as she had been the director since I had started but there was a nagging thought that maybe it wasn't such a bad thing that Jan was done with the museum. SIA had been floundering for years and maybe whomever they chose to replace her might have a chance to revamp the ailing museum. Though, there was always the chance it could get worse but I felt it would do no good to get pessimistic about the situation.

The only thing that truly worried me was the state of the festival. If the rain kept up, we wouldn't get much revenue from today but if they felt the festival couldn't run without a museum director the board could decide to shut it down completely and we would lose our weekend gains, which would be unfortunate since the last few days of the festival were always the most attended.

I tried to push work from my mind as I read the most recent email in my inbox, one from the Pratt School of Design in New York. With everything that had been going on, I had completely forgotten that I had submitted an application and part of my portfolio a month earlier. I nervously opened the email.

Ms. Beesly,

This letter is to inform you that we have received your application information and have been accepted into the Pratt Art Institute. Unfortunately, due to the high number of applicants we get every year and due to the lateness of your application, we are unable to place you into our Fall program, therefore we have officially placed you on the waiting list for our Fall 20- semester. We will contact you immediately if a position opens up. However, you are eligible to attend our Spring 20- semester. A packet with more information will be sent via mail sometime later this week.

Thank you,

Admissions, Pratt School of Design

I sat back in my chair slightly in shock. When I applied, I thought it was a long shot and did so because I felt there was no harm in trying, not because I felt I had a chance at getting in. Sure, I was on the waiting list but come this spring, I would have a whole, new opportunity awaiting me. I felt incredibly giddy, my life was moving forward, and for the first time in so long, I felt great to be living it.

Before I could get a chance to let it really sink in, my phone rang. It was my sister Penny. "Hey," I said brightly.

"Hey," she replied cautiously, probably not sure how I was able to sound that chipper so early in the morning.

"What are you doing up at this hour?" I teased. My sister was known for not getting up until the afternoon.

"I was called into work," she lamented. "Which is why I'm calling you. I'm not going to make it out there today, though by the look of the rain, there probably isn't much to come out to."

"Yeah, I don't know yet," I replied. The rain was still pounding against the windows and I could hear rumbles of thunder. "If it keeps up, we won't be open for most of the day."

"That's really a bummer," Penny said. "And it sucks that I have to miss it, I always loved going when we were younger. I think it's so cool that you put it together this year."

"Thanks," I said. "Are mom and dad still planning to come out?"

Penny sighed into the phone. "I think they are. Pam, they're arguing again, and it's really bad this time. Two nights ago, mom complained to me for an hour over the phone about dad. I'm really worried about them."

"Do you know what's going on?" I asked concerned. "I mean, they never used to argue this much when we were kids. Now, it seems like every time I talk to one of them, there's some kind of fight going on."

"Yeah," Penny agreed. "Every little thing dad does bugs mom and dads ticked off every time mom tries to confront him on something. This doesn't look good."

There was a silence as we both reflected on our parents' issues and how no matter how hard either of us had tried, nothing managed to help.

Penny broke the silence. "So, how are you anyway?" she asked. "It's been, like, a week since I've talked to you."

"I'm doing pretty well," I said happily. "I just found out that I was put on the waiting list for Pratt."

"Oh my god, Pam that's amazing," Penny exclaimed. "Congrats!"

"I know, it's awesome, isn't it?" I responded. "I'm actually on the waiting list for the fall semester but I can actually attend classes starting in the spring."

"Wow," Penny said. "So, does this mean you're going then?"

I paused a moment. "I don't know yet," I answered truthfully.

"What do you mean you don't know?" Penny asked.

"I mean, I'm glad I got in," I replied. "But now that I have, there's so much to think about. I mean, would I still have my job when I come back? Would I move to New York? How am I going to pay for it all?" A ton of questions flooded my mind and one very large one lingered near the front. And what about Jim?

"I don't think there's anything wrong with moving to New York," Penny advised. "Besides, you've never cared that much about your job. Something else going on you're not telling me about? Oh my god, you and Roy didn't get back together again did you?"

I laughed. "No, we aren't back together," I explained. "In fact, he and I have finally had closure. Actually," I hesitated a little knowing how my sister reacted to these things. "I met a guy."

"What?" she asked stunned.

"And we're, kind of, dating."

There was silence on the other end for a split second before Penny started a bombardment of questions. "What? Who? When did you meet a guy you actually like? And why didn't you call me? My life is so completely boring and, well, so is yours, so it's your duty to call me when something big like this happens. You actually met a guy? Can I meet him? What's he like?"

I laughed as she continued her questioning but before I could answer anything, there was a knock at the door. "Sorry, Penny, but he's here now, I've got to let you go."

"He's at your apartment?" Penny asked. "Like, he stayed there or just getting there? You better give me a call back and fill me in."

"I promise to get back to you later, okay?" I said, heading towards the door.

"Call me as soon as you have a chance," Penny begged. "You can't drop this bomb and take off."

"Bye, Penny," I said, amused that I was letting it dangle.

"Details, Pam!" she squealed. "Don't for get all the-"

I hung up as I opened the door.

It occurred to me right then, the second the door was open and I found Jim standing in my doorway, that for the entire time I had known him, he had always been dressed in his work clothes. But that morning, he was dressed casually, a simple pair of jeans, a gray Eagles T-Shirt, a pair of black Converse All-Stars and a red Phillies hat. He was clean-shaven and the bruise around his eye was beginning to fade. From the moment, I met him, Jim had been attractive in a cute and sweet way but seeing him in his regular clothes, it dawned on me. My new boyfriend was hot. My knees went a little weak and my heart began to beat a little faster as the realization settled in just how good-looking he was. I blushed at the fact that just a change of clothes would cause such a reaction. Jim took it as an invitation to enter.

"Hi," he gave with a mischievous smirk.

"Hey," I said, not able to hide a dopey smile.

He threw the black umbrella he had in his hand to the floor, scooped me in his arms and began to give me quick butterfly kisses. I swung my arms around his neck so I could pull him in for a proper kiss and reveled in the fact that when our lips touched, he tasted of coffee and mint. Lost in the kiss, I forgot that I had any kind of responsibility outside of being with Jim and when we finally did pull apart, I regretted the fact that I did have a job to go to.

"Thanks for picking me up," I whispered, still holding him close.

"My pleasure," he responded, going in for another slow kiss.

I pulled away slight, knowing that if I didn't stop then, there was no way I was going to work at all, let alone getting there on time.

"So, guess what," I said as I slipped away and began to collect my things so we could head out.

"What's that?" he asked.

I was a little hesitant about telling him about Pratt, especially since the relationship was new, but it just wasn't something I could hold in. "I applied to the Pratt Institute and I got in," I said slowly.

His eyes grew wide and he beamed proudly. "No way," he exclaimed. "Pam, that's amazing. When do you start?"

I felt a bit of relief. "I'm still on the waiting list actually. But I can start classes in the spring."

"Wow," he gave as if it were a huge accomplishment. "That's great."

"Really?" I asked. "I mean, committing to a long distance relationship this early is okay?"

He tilted his head. "New York isn't that far away. Spring semester is months from now. And besides, this is a huge opportunity for you and I wouldn't want you to pass that up."

My heart fluttered. "Oh, Jim," I gave him a huge hug.

We headed out to Jim's car and when we got out side, huddled close beneath the umbrella he had brought. If anything, the storm was getting worse. The wind had picked up and even with the help of the umbrella by the time we made it into Jim's car, we were both drenched.

"So, I can see why your golf match was cancelled," I said as I closed the car door and buckled my seat belt.

"Yeah, but thankfully Mr. McGuire is still giving the interview," Jim said as he started the engine. "At least I didn't lose that. The best part, though, is that I have the rest of the day off."

"I wish I could have the day off," I said as I watched Jim pull out into traffic. "But even if the festival is rained out today, I still have to go in. Jan made quite the mess in her departure and I may be in meetings all day with the museum board trying to figure it all out."

"Well, that's a shame," he said. "But at least Jan had a spectacular exit. I mean, if you're gonna go out big, burn everything in sight as you do it."

I laughed. "I could use a day off though. I need to catch up on bills, go grocery shopping, get a new scale. Yeah, I need a new scale, my current one tells me I weigh 336 pounds."

Jim shook his head. "You really should lay off the Frosties," he teased, poking me in the stomach.

I playfully swatted his arm. "Actually, I'm not so sure how productive a day off would be anyway."

"Why's that," he asked.

"Because all I really want to do is spend time with you," I replied.

He looked a little surprised at my forwardness and blushed. "You know, I'm tempted just to kidnap you then."

"If it weren't for the fact that I'd probably get fired, I'd take you up on that," I only half joked.

"Hey, do you mind a quick stop?" He asked. "I have to get some gas." I nodded and he pulled into the gas station on the corner. "I have a favor to ask," he said when we parked. He pulled out his wallet and credit card. "Do you mind filling the tank while I run inside for a moment?"

"Sure," I said taking the card.

"Thanks," he said, giving me a quick kiss on the forehead.

We both got out and I began to unscrew the gas tank cap as he went inside. When I placed the card in the little machine it beeped at me, letting me know the card wasn't accepted. I tried again, making sure that I had put the card in the right way but it still wasn't accepted. I wasn't sure what was wrong but I opened the card door and pulled out my own purse. I figured, instead of bugging Jim about his card, I could just pay for it myself; I did owe him for all the rides he had been giving me.

As I waited for the gas to fill, I bounced in place, trying to keep myself warm. The thin coat I had on didn't stop the wind from piercing through and the roof above the station didn't help block out the rain. When I felt enough had been spent, I went to remove the pump but it was stuck. I couldn't get it unstuck until the tank was full and I had spent nearly fifteen dollars more then I intended to.

Jim exited the store just as I was placing the pump back on its holder. He had a small paper bag with him and when he got back to the car, threw it into the backseat.

"What's that?" I asked.

"Something I need for later," he said. The brushed-off question made me curious but I let it go and gave him back his card.

"I think we shouldn't come back to this station." I announced. He looked at me intrigued as I continued to speak. "Your card didn't work in the machine. I mean, I tried to get it work but it didn't take it for some reason. So, I paid for the gas, which was no big deal. I mean, you've been giving me all these rides and I figured the least I could do was pay for some game. But then, the handle on the pump was stuck and it kept pumping and I couldn't get it unstuck so you have a full tank but I'm low on money. So, you're gonna have to pay for breakfast-"

I stopped when I realized he was grinning ear to ear amused and fascinated by my chatter. But there was something more in his eyes, a look I couldn't quite read.

"What?" I asked slowly.

"I, uh," his face dropped and he looked down at the ground.

"Jim?"

He looked back up at me with an intensity I wasn't suspecting. "I love you."

"Oh my god," I replied, his words had taken me completely off guard. He loved me. It took a moment for the thought to settle in. He really loved me. The warm, tingling sensation I was beginning to grow fond of swept over me again and I could feel myself glow. He looked at me nervously and I realized I hadn't given a proper reply. I responded the only way possible. "I love you, too."

He let out a breath of relief and we both laughed as he pulled me into an embrace. It was probably funny to anyone watching, these two crazy people declaring their love for each other in the most unromantic setting of a gas station but I didn't care if anyone was watching. Nothing else mattered at all, as I kissed the man I loved in the rain.